The Top 10 Greatest Female Indian Athletes of All Time: Trailblazers in Indian sports have always been a vital part of the country’s cultural fabric. From cricket to badminton, India has given rise to some of the world’s finest athletes. Among them are legendary female athletes who have broken barriers and made their presence felt on the global stage. These women are true pioneers, inspiring countless individuals across the nation with their remarkable achievements.
Table of Contents
Let’s reveal the top 10 greatest female Indian athletes of all time:
10. Mirabai Chanu
Mirabai Chanu is a sensational weightlifter who won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has gold medals in the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. She won the silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win a medal at the event in over 20 years. Mirabai Chanu has also won several gold medals in international competitions, including the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. She won gold in the 48kg category at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships held in Anaheim, California, USA.
She also won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia, in the 48kg category. Mirabai Chanu’s success in weightlifting has made her one of India’s most celebrated athletes and a source of inspiration for many aspiring weightlifters in the country.
9. Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj is a retired cricketer and a Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna winner. She is also the recipient of national awards like the Arjuna Award in 2003 and the Padma Shri in 2015, respectively. The iconic batter is the all-time leading run scorer for India across all formats, such as the Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
8. Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami is more than just a cricketer – she’s a legend who redefined women’s cricket in India. Over an incredible 20-year journey, she became a bowling powerhouse, etching her name in history with a record 225 wickets in One-Day International cricket. Her remarkable career is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of women’s sports.
7. Karnam Malleswari
Karnam Malleswari is a massively inspirational figure for women, not just in weightlifting but across all fields. In 2000, she became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics.
6. Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat comes from a famous family of wrestlers. She is the only Indian woman wrestler to win multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships and the first Indian athlete to get a nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards.
5. P.V. Sindhu
A huge section of Indian sports enthusiasts regard P.V. Sindhu as the greatest Indian female athlete of all time. She is the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Olympics and has five medals in the World Championships.
4. Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza is perhaps the greatest ever Indian tennis player. She won six Grand Slam titles in her career, three in Women’s Doubles and three in Mixed Doubles respectively.
3. Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal is a legendary figure in the sport of badminton. The former World No.1 player in singles won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics for India, becoming the first-ever Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton.
2. Mary Kom
Mary Kom is the multiple-time World Champion in boxing, and the only boxer (male or female) to win eight World Championship medals (six golds, one silver and one bronze). In addition, she won five Asian Championships gold medals. Above all, she won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics.
1. P.T. Usha
Hailed as the “queen of the Indian track and field,” P.T. Usha is a legendary name in Indian sports. She is the current president of the Indian Olympic Association and has won four Asian gold medals and seven silver medals. One of the highlights of her career was finishing fourth in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, missing out on the bronze by 1/100th of a second in the 400m hurdles event.
Top 10 Greatest Female Indian Athletes of All Time: Trailblazers of Indian Sports – These female Indian athletes have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired thousands of young girls and boys to take up sports as a career. They are truly an inspiration and a symbol of women’s empowerment. These women have shown
great dedication, hard work, and perseverance to achieve their goals and reach the pinnacle of their respective sports. Their success has shattered many stereotypes and has demonstrated that women can excel in any field they choose.
By breaking barriers and achieving success at the international level, these female Indian athletes have become role models for many young girls and boys, especially in a society where women have traditionally been discouraged from pursuing sports or any career outside of the home. They have not only inspired young athletes but have also played a vital role in promoting gender equality and empowering women in India.
Moreover, these female Indian athletes have also raised awareness about various social issues, such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and discrimination based on caste, gender, and religion. They have used their success and platform to bring attention to these issues and work towards creating a more equitable and just society.
These female Indian athletes are an inspiration not only for their sports achievements but also for their contribution to social change and women’s empowerment. Their stories of hard work, dedication, and overcoming obstacles have motivated and encouraged countless individuals to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
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FAQs
Who is the Greatest Female Indian Athlete of All Time?
P.T. Usha
Who is a retired cricketer and a Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna winner?
Mithali Raj is a retired cricketer and a Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna winner.
